Less than 1% industry operational in Punjab

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

During the phase I of lockdown, which ended on April 14, less than 1% of industries across different sectors were operational in Punjab. These have been given permission to continue operations till April 20, when the new guidelines, issued by the Centre today, will come into effect. Industry experts feel the Centre’s decision to allow certain types of manufacturing and services to resume operations with restrictions from April 20 would spur economic activity partially in the state.

According to data, out of 2,52,741 industries in the state, around 2,150 were operating in the first phase of the lockdown. The units which were operational are spread across sectors such as food processing, pharmaceutical, rice processing, medical equipment and kits such as personal protection equipment (PPE), sanitiser and textiles.

Some of the major units which were operational were ITC (Kapurthala), JCT, HMEL, Sukhjit Starch, Trident, NFL, Hindustan Insecticide, Sportking, Verka milk plants, Shiva Texfab and Garg Acrylic.

The maximum number of units were operational in Ludhiana (416), followed by Faridkot (392) and Ferozepur (288).

“Initially, the permission for starting operations of 2,150 units was given till April 14, but now it has been extended till April 20. Since the new guidelines issued by the Centre will come into effect from April 20, we will allow only those units which adhere to these norms. It may be modified to suit local conditions. We hope new industries will also come forward for permission as the Centre has announced to relax some norms,” said Sibin C, Director, Industries and Commerce, Punjab.

During the first phase of the lockdown from March 24 midnight to April 14, the Central government made exceptions for certain kind of industries manufacturing essential commodities, food processing, public utilities such as petroleum and LPG and medical equipment.

He said the state would support those units which would diversify into making masks, PPE and ventilators.

Six industrial units from Ludhiana have already got approval for supplying PPEs for health workers. Three units have received approval for supplying N95 masks.

“Besides, there are 6-7 units in the state which have developed prototype ventilators and are waiting for approval from the department concerned. Once they are accorded approval, they will start operations commercially,” he added.

As the Centre has allowed makers of IT hardware, farmers and industries in the rural areas to resume operations after April 20, the industry expects it will spur economic activity in the state partially.

Naredco president Niranjan Hiranandani said phase-wise opening of economic activity with precautions is the right step and it would refuel the growth trajectory.

Industries operational
District No. of industries

• Ludhiana 416
• Faridkot 392
• Ferozepur 288
• Fazilka 274
• Moga 145
• Total 2,150

(including other districts)